2017 recognition comes from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

For the sixth consecutive year, Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Health Plan in California has again received the highest overall rating for care quality and service, earning 5 out of 5 stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for 2017.

Kaiser Permanent has a major clinic in Pleasanton.

“These ratings reflect Kaiser Permanente's commitment to our patients and the communities we serve, a commitment we take very seriously and is our honor to uphold every day," said Dr. Ed Ellison, executive medical director of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group.

"Our physicians and care teams deliver personalized, compassionate care with intellect and heart, supported by an integrated, safe care delivery system that keeps people well and supports their healing when they are sick," he added.

"We continually invest in innovative technology and digital tools that allow our members to access care whenever and wherever they need it," Ellison said. "The resulting greater connectivity between patients and their doctors also leads to better health and outcomes."

CMS uses the star ratings system to rank Medicare health plans on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars representing the highest quality. The overall scores are based on care and service quality measures (Parts C and D) across nine categories, including staying healthy, managing chronic conditions, member satisfaction, customer service and pharmacy services. The star ratings also measure health plans’ compliance performance.

Julie Miller-Phipps, president, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region, added: “Our top rating from CMS, along with our recent distinction as the only health plan in the country to receive the top rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for our Medicare, private and commercial plans, show Kaiser Permanente’s leadership role in transforming health and health care.”

She said Kaiser Permanente's Medicare health plans have consistently received high ratings since CMS began awarding them in 2009. One reason is Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model, which enables care teams and staff to serve members and patients using a coordinated, seamless approach.

Members receive proactive reminders for screening and check-up visits and have access to view their medical records at their convenience at kp.org, Kaiser Permanente’s member website. Members can use the site to schedule appointments, view current and past labs, as well as order medication refills for home delivery.

Comments

4 people like this

Posted by AR15
a resident of Stoneridge
on Oct 19, 2016 at 9:15 am

Nice ad for Kaiser. I've heard that they have improved a lot, but my wife and I have our nightmares from Kaiser in the past. We will never go there again. I would like to know what the premiums and deductibles are like in this day of Obamacare.

Posted by Billie
a resident of Mohr Park
on Oct 19, 2016 at 9:56 amBillie is a registered user.

I've had Kaiser through my employer, then as a retiree and now on Medicare, both in Southern (15+ years) and Northern (25+ years) California. I absolutely love the convenience of multiple facilities, having a personal doctor yet being able to see any doctor whenever you need to, book appointments online, prescriptions by mail and great hospital care. Most of all, I appreciate the wonderful doctors, nurses and practitioners, of whom I've been lucky enough to have available to me these last few years.

Prior to Kaiser I had Blue Cross for about 5 years. What a pain, both in convenience and cost, especially when my daughter was young, subject to ear infections and then active in sports.

I don't know how my premiums compare to others, but they are definitely not more than I can afford, and well worth it considering my recent medical costs and what I would have had to pay without it.

Posted by Hansen Curious
a resident of Del Prado
on Oct 19, 2016 at 10:05 amHansen Curious is a registered user.

I've been a Kaiser member since I was born over 50 years ago. I love their service, ability to have a personal GP, and ability to be seen anytime without waiting. Thanks to President Obama and the Affordable Care Act, my Kaiser premiums have gone down since the bill was enacted. My children were born at Kaiser and received stellar care and continue to thrive with a fantastic pediatrician.

The one thing to keep in mind with Kaiser is that you have to be your own health advocate. They provide great care, but you need to educate yourself and understand the services available to you and how to access them.